IF YOU NEED TO CONTACT ANY OF OUR OFFICERS, PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO: WILLIAM MILES, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY NYSAFC@GMAIL.COM or to our address: NYSAFC, Inc. c/o William Miles, Executive Secretary 470 Adam St Tonawanda, NY 14150-1804 _________________________________________________________________________________ NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHAPLAINS, INC OFFICERS * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Chaplain Joseph P. McCarthy Chief Chaplain 2026 - 2028
Chaplain Joseph McCarthy was appointed to the Board of Directors
of the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains, Inc. at the October 8,
2018 Board of Directors meeting as our New York State At Large Director. He
then served as a Regional Director. Joe has been involved in the Volunteer Fire
and EMS Services for 37 years and has served as the Southold F.D. 2nd Lt.,
1st Lt. and Captain of the Rescue Squad, Hook and Ladder, Fire Police, Chief
Driver of Ambulance, E.M.T.D.I., and Chair and Co-Chair of many Fundraising and
Beneficial activities.
Chaplain McCarthy has received the Firefighter
of the Year Award and belongs to the Firefighter’s Memorial Executive
Committee, Fire Chief’s Council of Suffolk County, serving as Senior Chaplain,
Co-Chaplain for the Suffolk County Volunteer Firefighters Association, Chaplain
for the Southampton Town Fire Chiefs Council, Chaplain for the Westhampton
War Memorial Ambulance Corps, and is a Team Leader for Suffolk County
Emergency Services Critical Incident Stress Management Team (C.I.S.M. Team)
Joe is a former Child Care Worker for Hearing
Impaired, Developmentally Disabled Children and is a former Safety Technician
at a Federal Facility. He is also a longtime NYS Licensed Real Estate Broker,
and is a former member of his local Town Affordable Housing Committee and a
Commissioner of the Southold Town Historic Preservation Commission.
He has been a lifelong advocate for the
disadvantaged.
He is the Senior Chaplain of the Fire Chiefs
Council of Suffolk County, which represents 109 Fire Departments and he joined
our association in 2013.
Joe looks forward to his continuing efforts to move our
Organization into a strong position going into the Future, by supporting
existing Chaplains and recruiting new members. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Chaplain Stephen Muhlenbruck 1st Deputy Chief Chaplain Chaplain Stephen
Muhlenbruck joined the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains, Inc. In
2017 and was elected in May of 2024 as a Deputy Chief Chaplain. Steve has been
an interior firefighter and Chaplain for the Commack F.D. in Suffolk County
since 1998. He serves as Trustee and Executive Secretary for the Commack
Volunteer and Exempts Benevolent Association and has served as chauffeur,
Treasurer and Secretary of his engine company. He is a member of the Suffolk
County CISM team and serves as Chaplain for the Smithtown Chief’s Council.
Steve joined the NYPD in 2000 and responded
to several regional tragedies in that capacity including the 9/11 terrorist
attack, and Hurricane Sandy. He served in the NYPD Ceremonial Unit from 2008
until his retirement in 2023 and is well versed in planning and executing large
scale funerals and ceremonies.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________ Chaplain Matthew Sanfilippo 2nd Deputy Chief Chaplain Chaplain Fr. Matthew Sanfilippo, is the Chaplain of the Lawrence Cedarhurst Fire Department. He has been a member of the NYSAFC, Inc., for the past three years. He served for two years as Director of the South Region before being elected to the position of 2nd Deputy Chief Chaplain. Fr. Sanfilippo is the Priest-in-charge of the All Saints Episcopal Church, Woodhaven, NY and Church of the Resurrection, Kew Gardens, NY. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Chaplain William A. Miles
Executive Secretary
Past Chief Chaplain (2006-2008) Executive Secretary Bill Miles, joined the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains in 1989, and served for several years as the West Region Director. In 2002, he became the 2nd Deputy Chief Chaplain, in 2004, 1st Deputy Chief Chaplain, and in 2006-2008 he served as the Chief Chaplain of the NYSAFC. In 2012, he was appointed as the Executive Secretary of the NYSAFC. A position he holds today. As Executive Secretary, he is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Association. He works directly with the Chief Chaplain and Deputy Chiefs while making decisions effecting the Association. Bill is the Pastor of the Cambria Congregational Church in Cambria, NY. He attributes his success to the support of his wife Virginia of 50 years and his family. ________________________________________________________________________________ Chaplain David Quinn Treasurer  David Quinn interest in public service has resulted in a lifelong
commitment to serving his community. From serving multiple community organizations
in many roles, this service has become central to his life. This included serving
as a volunteer EMT and Treasurer with the Castleton Ambulance, Interior firefighter
and Fire Chief with the South Schodack Fire Department where he has served as
their Department Chaplain for over 25 years. He was a Fire District Commissioner
with the Stuyvesant Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 as well as a County EMS Operations
and MCI Coordinator for Rensselaer County. He also served as one of the county’s
fire chaplains. He brings over thirty years of experience in non-profit management;
He served as the Chief Administrative Officer of The Firemen’s Association of
The State of New York where he is recognized for helping to create the
foundation that fostered the organization’s growth. David continues to serve as
the only Treasurer of the FASNY Museum of Firefighting in Hudson since its
creation in 2003, and as Treasurer of the New York State Association of Fire
Chaplains. David managed the Albany Rural Cemetery as their General Manager,
was the Sr. Director of Finance/HR/ and Business Operations at the Olana
Partnership and Historic site in Columbia County and currently is the Grants
Manager for Hudson Valley Community College in Troy New York where he
originally began his higher education. David is currently serving as a town
council member with the town of Stuyvesant where he lives with his wife Jamie
and Molly the Museum dog Dalmatian. _________________________________________________________________________________ REGIONAL DIRECTORS Chaplain Richard Duerr, Sr.
Regional Director – North
Central _________________________________________________________________________________ Chaplain Clarice Murphy
New York State At Large Director _________________________________________________________________________________
Chaplain Dennis Hand
Regional Director – West 
Chaplain Dennis Hand is a Chaplain serving the Wrights Corners Fire Department. He is also an active member of their Fire Police Squad. _________________________________________________________________________________ Chaplain Cathy Ullman Assistant Regional Director - West  Chaplain Catherine Ullman has been a firefighter since 1997, initially with the Fredonia Fire Department, Chautauqua Co, where she is still an Honor Roll member, followed by five years with the Twin District Fire Company, Erie Co., where she became an EMT and later, EMS Lieutenant. Since 2005, she has been an active member of the Lancaster Fire Department, Erie Co., where she is currently the department Chaplain. She also serves at the company level as the Chaplain and trustee for the Citizen’s Hose Company. Additionally, she was appointed Assistant Chaplain of the Fredonia Fire Department as of August 2025.
Cathy was employed by the NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control as an adjunct NYS Fire Instructor working out of the New York State Academy of Fire Science from 2003 until 2020. She joined the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains in 2025 and became the Assistant Director of the Western Region in 2026. She is also a member of FASNY and The NYS Association of Fire Chiefs.
_________________________________________________________________________________ Chaplain Kevin Barkley Regional Director – East  _________________________________________________________________________________ Chaplain Flavia Skilbred
Regional Director - North  Dr. Skilbred serves in the Clinton County Firefighter’s Association out of Plattsburgh, NY. The CCFA serves in Clinton County, NY, Grand Isle, VT and Quebec, Canada. She also serves a chaplain in the NYS Department of Corrections. Dr. Skilbred also has additional training in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T, in NY AND MD), ASSIST suicide prevention training, psychological first aid, crime scene preservation and Stop the Bleed. She has served in Western New York and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Her philosophy is that continuing education is important. As chaplains we serve a variety of individuals, in a variety of places and situations. It is important to meet and serve people where and who they are and not try to make them fit into a preconceived mold. Therefore continuing education is imperative. She is also a member of the Federation of Fire Chaplains, National Volunteer Fire Council and FASNY. _________________________________________________________________________________
Chaplain Charles Provo Regional Director Central _________________________________________________________________________________ Chaplain Spencer P.
Kennedy
Regional Director - West
Central  Chaplain
Spencer Kennedy, West Central Director Chaplain for the New York State
Association of Fire Chaplains, Inc. He retired in 1990 as a Command
Sergeant after serving 21 years in the Town of Brighton Police
Department, Rochester, NY. Chaplain Kennedy has been active in the Fire
Service since 1980 and was an EMT for over 6 years as a Police Sergeant, NYS
Certified 1st Responder Volunteer Fire Fighter, reaching the Rank of
Captain. Currently he is the Assistant to the Chaplain and Captain of the
Fire Police Unit for the Brighton Volunteer Fire Department in Rochester, NY.
Chaplain Kennedy joined the NYS Chaplains Organization in 2008 and serves on
the Board of Directors. He the West Central Director Serving a six
county area (Monroe, Livingston, Steuben, Yates, Ontario and Wayne Counties).
He also belongs to numerous county and state fire organizations and is a Life
Member of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs. Chaplain Kennedy is a
Member and Ordained Deacon in the Greater Consistory of Trinity Reformed Church
in Brighton, NY. _________________________________________________________________________________ Chaplain Aaron Wizwer Regional Director - South East  Chaplain Aaron Wizwer joined the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains, Inc. in 2018. He was appointed at the Board of Directors meeting in January of 2025, to Regional Director of the South East Region. Aaron has been in the Volunteer Fire and EMS service since December 2001 at the age of 17. He first became a Junior Firefighter in the Loch Sheldrake Fire Company #1. He attended the Montour Falls Firefighter Bunker Program while enrolled in Corning Community College to earn his Associates Occupational Studies in Fire Protection Technology. Upon turning 18, he joined the Hurleyville Fire Department as an interior member and Chauffer. He was the first 4 th generation Firefighter in the department. He also joined the Hurleyville Emergency Relief Squad as an EMT and Crew Chief, later holding the ranks of Lieutenant and Captain before the ambulance squad was disbanded. In 2006, Aaron rejoined the Loch Sheldrake Fire Company #1 and has served in many roles throughout the years: Interior Firefighter, Chauffer, Company Engineer, Lieutenant, 1 st Lieutenant, Captain and 2 nd Assistant Chief. Aaron has served as one of two Chaplains of the company since 2018. Chaplain Wizwer continued his Public Service career after graduating from college and working full time as an EMT, later to become a Paramedic in August of 2008. He has received many Life Saving Awards throughout the years. He held multiple jobs since becoming a Paramedic in the Hudson Valley. In 2017 he became a Federal Firefighter/Paramedic with the Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System at Castle Point. While being in these positions he has taken an interest in Mental Health and has multiple courses for a non-clinical provider to include CISM training. Chaplain Wizwer is a member of various local, state and national Fire Service organizations, the Tri Valley Lions Club and is active in his local Synagogue. _________________________________________________________________________________ OPEN POSITION Regional Director - South _________________________________________________________________________________ Past Chief Chaplains Chaplain Richard G. Bolster Immediate Past Chief Chaplain (2024 -2026) Chaplain Richard “Dick” Bolster has 59 years of New York State fire service. He began his service to the community in 1964 at West Glens Falls Fire Department where he rose in the ranks from a young member, to EMT, then First Assistance Chief. Taking only time off to service his country as a Vietnam Era Veteran. After working as a construction foreman for Verizon, to prepare for the 1980 Olympics, he settled in Malone with his family where he then become a members of the Malone Fire Department. For the past 41 years, he has continued his dedication to the community and fire service, including the positions of Director, Vice President and President. Chaplain Bolster has carried the title of Chaplain, Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) leader, Fire Police and is currently County Car 14 with Franklin County Emergency Services. He is a proud honorary member of several surrounding fire departments in the county. Throughout the nearly past six decades of his fire service, Chaplain Bolster has carried many titles including Chief Chaplain for the Fire Police Association of the State New York for the past 10 years, member of FASNY, past chaplain for the NNYVFA and life member of NYS Association of Fire Chiefs. He is also a member of the _________________________________________________________________________________ Chaplain Thomas With Past Chief Chaplain (2022-2024)  Thomas With was appointed to Director of Region 6 East in April 2016, before being elected 2nd Deputy Chief Chaplain in April 2018. He serves the Fuller Road FD of Colonie NY, as their Chaplain since 2001, an Interior Firefighter and Safety Officer. Offices previously held were Fire Police Lt., 1st and 2nd Lt., and Captain in charge of Training. Tom also serves on the Town of Colonie Emergency Services Committee as Operations CAR 8, assisting specifically the Town Fire Police, since 1996. He is a Past President of the Hudson Mohawk VFA; the Volunteer Fire Police Association of the State of NY; The Fire Police Association of Albany County; and, Past Chairman of the NYS Fire Service Council 2006-2007. He is current Chairman of the Albany County Burn Fund; current Director at Large for the VFPASNY; 2018 appointment FASNY Asst. Sgt. At Arms; and, Past County Vice-President in the Hudson Valley VFA. Tom is also recipient of his Fire Department’s Firefighter of the Year, Hudson Valley VFA Fire Police Officer of the Year, and, was honored by the Volunteer Fire Police Assn. of the State of New York with their annual seminar now titled as the “Annual Thomas With Fire Police Training Seminar”, held at the New York State Fire Academy. He is currently a member of FASNY; NYS Fire Chiefs; Hudson Mohawk VFA; Hudson Valley VFA; Cumberland Valley VFA; The Fire Police Association of Albany County; Volunteer Fire Police Association of the State of New York; Volunteer Fire Judging Association; the Royal Order of Blues Vests; New York State Fire Service Council; the National Volunteer Fire Council; and, of course the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Chaplain Leon I. VanWie Supply Officer Chief Chaplain (2020-2022) Chaplain Leon I. VanWie was the Chief Chaplain for the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains, Inc. from 2020 - 2022. He retired in 2017 after serving 44 years as a United Methodist pastor serving churches in western, central and northern New York. Rev. VanWie has been active in the fire service since 1976 and was an EMT for over 15 years. Currently he is the Chaplain for the Town of Watertown Volunteer Fire Department and is Chaplain for the City of Watertown Fire Department. He also serves as Jefferson County Car 51, as a Deputy Fire Coordinator for chaplain services. He also belongs to numerous county and state fire organizations.
_________________________________________________________________________________ Chaplain William Mayo Chief Chaplain (2018-2020)  _________________________________________________________________________________ Chaplain James Van Houten Chief Chaplain (2016-2018) _________________________________________________________________________________ Chaplain Kenneth N. Hessel
Chief Chaplain
(2014-2016)
Rev.
Kenneth N. Hessel is a past Chief Chaplain who served 2014-2016. Prior to the chiefs’ rank, he had served as
the Executive Secretary for 6 years and 2 years on the Board of Directors. He served as a firefighter, EMT, and chaplain
for the Westbury Fire Department, before moving to Omaha NE in 2016. He presently serves the Bethany Lutheran Health Services, Coincil Bluff, IA, as Chaplain to the Nursing Home and Assisted Living Center, and serves as the Chaplain to the Omaha Police Department. He was the chairperson of the New York State
Fire Council from 2009-2011, a member of the Federation of Fire Chaplains and achieving the advanced study award of the
Federation’s Master Level in 2005. Pastor
Ken, originally from Derby, NY, has been a Lutheran minister since 1987. _________________________________________________________________________________
Chaplain Kenneth Palmer
Chief Chaplain
(2012-2014)
 _________________________________________________________________________________ Chaplain Barrie-Lyn Foster Chief Chaplain (2009-2012) Chaplain Barrie-Lyn Foster has served the Aurelius Volunteer Fire Department since 2002 as Fire/EMS Chaplain. Currently she is NYS certified Fire Officer 1&2, and Fire Instructor 1&2. As an AVFD officer, she has served numerous fire department positions including Assistant Chief, Rescue Captain, Fire District Commissioner, plus Treasurer of both CCAES (Cayuga County Association of Emergency Services) and the NYS Association Fire Chaplains, Inc. Currently the Chaplain for FASNY (Firefighter's Association of the State of New York) and a Chaplain with Central New York Firefighters Association. Foster pastors the United Church of Genoa. _________________________________________________________________________________ Chaplain William A. Miles Chief Chaplain (2006-2008) Chaplain William "Bill" Miles served as Chief Chaplain from 2006-2008. He originally joined the Sweeney Hose Company #7, of the North Tonawanda Fire Department, on August 1, 1974, and is celebrating 52 years as an active fire fighter/Chaplain. He served Sweeney Hose for many years on their Board of Directors, Secretary, Captain, and in 1989 became their Company Chaplain. He held the position of Chaplain for twenty years until 2009 when he joined the Niagara Hose Company #3, Tonawanda Fire Department. He has served the Niagara's as 1st Lieutenant and Company Captain. He also has served as Company Chaplain for the past 12 years. He is one of seven Associate Fire Chaplains serving on the City of Tonawanda Fire Department Chaplains Corps. He also serves as Chaplain of the Delaware Hose Company #2 where he is an Honorary Member and Vice President/Chaplain of the Town of Tonawanda Volunteer Fire Companies Association. Bill has led many classes for Fire Chaplains and has chaired or co-chaired several of our Annual Training Conferences. He developed a class designed for spouses and significant others that teaches what the fire service is all about and the ins and outs of being a firefighter. "As long as God gives me breath, I am here to serve" _________________________________________________________________________________ Chaplain Edward Billia
Chief Chaplain (2004-2006)
_________________________________________________________________________________ Chaplain Wayne Jagow
Chief Chaplain (1998-2000) Rev. Wayne F. Jagow is the Chaplain for the Firemen’s
Association of the State of New York. He has served as Chief of the
Juvenile Division of the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department and is the retired
County Clerk of Niagara County and also retired Pastor of Concordia Lutheran
Church in Newfane, New York. Jagow has served as Chief Chaplain of the New
York State Association of Fire Chaplains, Inc. (1998-2000) and President of the
Niagara County Volunteer Firemen’s Association. He is a member and Chaplain
of the Wrights Corners Exempt Volunteer Fire Company. He and his wife,
Maureen, are parents of two children – Rev. Andrew W. Jagow and Bethany N.
Moulden and have two granddaughters. _________________________________________________________________________________ Chaplain Thomas Tobin
Chief Chaplain
(1994-1996)
 _________________________________________________________________________________ Chaplain William Michatek
Chief Chaplain
(1990-1992)
_________________________________________________________________________________ Chaplain Alan Carvalho
Chief Chaplain (1981–1983)
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